Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers are involved in planning, designing and testing aircraft, missiles and spacecraft. They usually work as part of a team with engineers of different specialisations and technicians from other disciplines and backgrounds.
Aerospace engineers are typically responsible for:
- designing, testing and improving avionics systems and instruments (navigation, communications etc)
- researching and devising improvements to existing systems to make aircraft parts (wings, engines, fuselage etc) more fuel-efficient while keeping safety uppermost
- designing and running tests, and gathering and analysing test data
- ensuring aircraft designs and systems comply with national and international legal and safety regulations
- supervising aircraft assembly and servicing, and hangar maintenance
- preparing technical documentation
- presenting reports to technical and non-technical personnel
Aerospace engineers can specialise in particular areas such as propulsion, fuel, guidance systems or thermodynamic. They can choose to work in research and development, or production and maintenance. The job involves some travelling to test and inspect aircraft in different locations and environments.
Typical Employers
- aerospace and aero-engine companies
- airline operators
- consultancies
- aircraft manufacturers
- the armed forces
- the government
- research and development firms
Qualifications
A degree in aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. An advanced degree in mathematics or physics may be required for certain research-centric positions.
While it’s not necessary for an aerospace engineer to have an aircraft piloting licence, it may come in useful.
Key Skills
- excellent technical knowledge
- strong IT skills
- strong problem solving and decision making skills
- good team player
- excellent communication skills
- detail-and safety-orientated
- excellent time and project management abilities
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